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graywings123

Sacrifice a parting bead to remove sash?

graywings123
12 years ago

Double hung windows, lower sash has functioning sash pullies, the upper sash appears to be fixed in place.

I was able to remove the lower sash and secure the weights. But I am unable to remove either of the interior parting beads keeping the upper sash in. The upper sash meeting rail flairs out and covers the mid section of the parting beads.

I know I could approach this from the outside, but it is the second story, and I would like to keep the triple track storms in place while I work on the sashes.

If I break one of the parting beads, the window will come out fairly easily. Any other ideas?

This is a closeup photo of where the sash rail overlaps the parting bead.

Comments (13)

  • Billl
    12 years ago

    You'll have to be able to move the upper sash to get the bead out in one piece, so that is where to start. It is probably painted shut and might have a nail or 2 hiding in there.

    Once you do that, you can slide the sash all the way down so that little lip is at the bottom. Run a knife over both edges of the bead and then gently pry it out. If you need to pry it out, use shims or similar on each side of the bead so you don't damage it. Start at the top and work your way down. When you get to the bottom, you should have enough room to twist it past the rail.

  • antiquesilver
    12 years ago

    If your parting beads are like mine were - ancient, thin, broken, damaged by moisture & abuse & covered with 40 layers of paint - consider breakage inevideble, no matter how careful you are. It was one of the few things I opted to replace but I didn't have much more than random splinters to start with.

  • graywings123
    Original Author
    12 years ago

    UPDATE: on the opposite (right) side, there was a bit of a gap between the upper sash meeting rail and the parting bead, and I was able to get that one out unbroken. Thought I was home free. Alas, the window still won't come out. I need to get it to drop about 1/4 inch. I'm going for the heat gun and scraper now.

  • brickeyee
    12 years ago

    For years I have simply destroyed them to prevent and other damage during removal and made and installed new ones.

    I still have a handful of them stored in the basement ceiling between the joists.
    It is easier to make a batch with one saw setup and use them up then make them a few at a time.

  • columbusguy1
    12 years ago

    Have you tried scoring the paint between the upper sash and casing on both sides? Alternatively, how about clamping the sash rail weatherstripping flat to the window--then it will slide past the middle of the parting bead if the paint is freed.

    My attic windows all have the upper sashes fixed, whether by accident or not, and I generally didn't think the effort was worth it there--other rooms, yes. The two largest windows in my house are about 46" wide, the upper sash is diamond paned, the lower, one big sheet about three times the height of the upper: both are fixed in place, but flanked by narrower operable windows. For energy conservation reasons, I don't intend to free up either of those big monsters! :)

    Should you break a bead, you can get replacements at a lumberyard.

  • sombreuil_mongrel
    12 years ago

    A window zipper is a invaluable tool for this operation, along with a thin but stiff putty knife, a fishtail trim removal bar, and the always available string of expletives.
    Fishtail bar:
    http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/ESTWING-Moulding-And-Nail-Puller-2UV16?Pid=search
    Casey

    Here is a link that might be useful: Window zipper

  • graywings123
    Original Author
    12 years ago

    Sadly the parting bead did not survive the removal. And even after that, the sash didn't want to come out. I finally got it to move and it turns out that the upper sash has a pulley system! It looks like the original cords - there is black soot on the cords and sash edges.

    So now in addition to the sash painting project, I want to change out the pulley cords.

  • brickeyee
    12 years ago

    "Sadly the parting bead did not survive the removal."

    Just view them as sacrificial.

    Preventing other damage to the window structure during removal is far more important.

  • sacto_diane
    12 years ago

    I tend to break about 25% of the parting beads when I removing them from my windows as I restore them. Like the others I recommend having a supply of extra ones on hand because breaking some is going to be inevitable. I did luck out and find a couple of extra parting beads that got stashed in a weight pocket that I found while working on one window. My local lumber yard has them in their molding inventory.

    One trick I found in getting those stubborn bastards out is a pair of sheet metal pliers. The wide grip really helps in getting them out without a lot of damage.

    Diane

    Here is a link that might be useful: Sheet Metal Pliers

  • brickeyee
    12 years ago

    "My local lumber yard has them in their molding inventory. "

    Thy are easy enough to make on a table saw.

  • brickeyee
    12 years ago

    "NOT so easy if you do not have a table saw!"

    The go to a real lumberyard and have them make a few.

    If you have a portable circular saw you can often rip them from the edges of a board.

  • PRO
    Christopher Nelson Wallcovering and Painting
    12 years ago

    If you have a portable circular saw you can often rip them from the edges of a board.

    You are a much better carpenter than I. I had the lumber yard do as you said.Me and the tape measure do not see eye to eye when it comes to wood.